Circular Head is in the path of the "Roaring 40s", strong prevailing westerly winds occurring in the latitudes between 400 and 500 south.

Australia's wind energy industry continues to expand. In 2007 there were 42 wind farms across the nation, with a capacity of more than 800MW, generating around 2,500 gigawatt hours of electricity annually. By 2009, 47 wind farms were in operation with an operating capacity greater than 1,400MW, generating more than 4,000 gigawatt hours of electricity annually. South Australia has the largest installed capacity around 50 per cent of the nation's total capacity.

Apart from Woolnorth, other large wind farms in Australia include Waubra in Victoria at 192 MW (128 x 1.5MW turbines sited on approximately 36 private properties) and Lake Bonney Stage 2 in South Australia at 159 MW.

Globally, the top four wind energy nations for 2008 were:

United States - 25,170 MW

Germany - 23,903 MW

Spain - 16,754 MW

China - 12,210 MW

The Woolnorth wind farm and 22,200ha property can be visited on a guided tour. For information visit: www.woolnorthtours.com.au

For information on wind farms across Australia, including existing wind farms, wind farms under construction and wind farms in the feasibility stage, visit www.auswind.org.